At just 29 years old, Adrien Brody became the youngest actor ever to win the Academy Award for Best Actor for his unforgettable performance as Holocaust survivor Władysław Szpilman in “The Pianist” (2002). Now, in “The Brutalist,” the acclaimed Jewish actor returns to similar thematic territory, portraying another Jewish survivor from Budapest — this time a fictional character, Laszlo Toth, a brilliant architect navigating post-war America.
Unlike “The Pianist,” which focused on real historical events, “The Brutalist” tells a crafted narrative steeped in metaphor and symbolism. The film’s title reflects both the architectural style that emphasizes raw structure over ornamentation and the harsh, unrelenting tone of its nearly four-hour runtime. Despite its length, “The Brutalist” is meticulously constructed, raising the stakes with every passing scene and keeping viewers gripped throughout.
Why Adrien Brody deserves the Oscar once again
Brody’s performance as Laszlo Toth is a masterclass in nuance and emotional range. In the early parts of the film, Brody captures Laszlo’s quiet optimism as he works to build a life in America and reunite with his wife, Erzsébet, who remained in post-war Europe. This hope, however, is tempered by the challenges he faces: navigating family dynamics with his domineering relative Attila (played with impressive subtlety by Jewish actor Alessandro Nivola) and confronting false accusations that threaten his stability.
Brody shines brightest in a deeply intimate bedroom scene with Erzsébet, played by Felicity Jones. His ability to oscillate between vulnerability and resilience is nothing short of mesmerizing. The tears he sheds feel authentic and raw, a testament to his years of method acting.
The Architecture of the architect
Laszlo Toth’s journey is as much about building structures as it is about building a life. The film poses an intriguing question: What is the foundation of the builder himself? What fuels Laszlo’s creativity and ambition?
In “The Brutalist,” Laszlo begins as a humble man with a simple dream, but as the story progresses, his passion and hunger for success come to the forefront. Success becomes his revenge against a world that tried to hold him back. His first major break comes when he is commissioned to design a library for the wealthy Harrison Lee Van Buren Sr. (Guy Pearce) for $2,000 — a project intended as a surprise for Van Buren’s father. This opportunity leads to larger, more ambitious projects, but with greater opportunities come greater challenges.
Director Brady Corbet masterfully turns the act of building into a character of its own, using architectural processes to mirror Laszlo’s personal struggles. Fans of “The Godfather” and “There Will Be Blood” will recognize echoes of those films in the cutthroat business dealings and morally ambiguous characters.
Crumbling under the pressure
As Laszlo’s career advances, the weight of his responsibilities begins to take a toll. Struggling to meet the high demands of his projects, he turns to drugs, which only exacerbate his erratic behavior. His outbursts — directed at loved ones and coworkers alike — make it unclear whether he will ultimately succeed or succumb to his flaws.
Laszlo also faces systemic discrimination as a Jewish immigrant with a thick accent in mid-20th-century America. When a Catholic architect is brought in to cut costs, Laszlo feels undermined. His impassioned speech to the community, assuring them that his plans include a chapel and that he has no ulterior motives, underscores the constant scrutiny he faces as an outsider.
In a poignant moment, we see Laszlo attending a Yom Kippur service, beating his chest during the confessional prayers. This connection to his Jewish identity is fleeting, however, as he later stops attending synagogue altogether. The film subtly questions whether his faith might have been stronger had his success come more easily, leaving viewers to ponder the intersection of belief and ambition.
Why “The Brutalist” isn’t for everyone
At three and a half hours, with a 15-minute intermission, “The Brutalist” is not for the faint of heart. The intermission itself — a still shot of a family wedding photo at a synagogue paired with the Hebrew phrase “Ze hashaar ladonai” (“This is the gate to God”) from the hallel service — adds to the film’s meditative tone.
The first half, titled “The Enigma of Arrival,” is more compelling than the second, but the film maintains a consistent emotional weight. However, scenes of sexual assault and implied rape, while not graphic, are deeply unsettling and may deter some viewers.
The film’s abrupt ending, while powerful, may feel jarring to some. Without revealing too much, it relies on the audience piecing together the final revelation, which serves as a dramatic gut punch. “The Brutalist” is a stunning film that is a work of art, but it requires patience and not everyone has.
Why “The Brutalist” will be the Oscars’ next Best Picture
Brody is undeniably the heart of The Brutalist, but the supporting cast deserves equal praise. Pearce stuns as the enigmatic Harrison Lee Van Buren Sr., whose wealth and motivations remain shrouded in mystery. Jones delivers a heartbreaking performance as Erzsébet, a woman torn between love and guilt. Joe Alwyn is pitch-perfect as a privileged antagonist, embodying entitlement and cruelty with chilling ease.
While Nivola’s Attila leaves a strong impression, his character’s conflict with Laszlo should have been explored further. Emma Laird also excels as Audrey, a character who reluctantly tolerates Laszlo for her husband’s sake.
“The Brutalist” is not preachy but presents a simple truth that is hard to argue with: Everyone wants to find love and contribute something to the world to be remembered by. Most viewers will identify, if not with Brody, with one of the characters trying to make it.
Visually stunning and emotionally resonant, The Brutalist is a cinematic triumph. Its minimalist aesthetic and gripping score perfectly complement the stellar performances. The film explores universal themes — love, ambition, resilience, and the desire to leave a legacy — that will resonate with audiences.
Through Laszlo’s struggles, we see humanity’s collective fears and dreams laid bare. His tears, smiles, and unrelenting drive remind us of the triumphs and tragedies that define a life. Like the brutalist architecture it celebrates, the film is unflinching in its honesty, offering a raw and uncompromising look at the cost of greatness.
For those willing to invest the time and emotional energy, “The Brutalist” is a work of art that demands — and rewards — your attention.
Originally Published Jan 2, 2025 02:25PM EST
